Tour Overview
Spend two fabulous weeks discovering the sights, sounds and flavors of South India led by passionate Indian food historian and a dear friend of ours, Chindi Varadarajulu. Chindi has a passion for food and adventure, along with a deep love and respect for her Indian roots. Originally from Singapore, Chindi spent several years in Vancouver, Canada as owner and chef of Chutney Villa, a beloved South Indian restaurant. In 2011, Chindi decided to head to India for her next adventure.
Prepare your taste buds for a fresh adventure South Indian cuisine, from mouth-watering street food to the kitchens of the Kings, experiencing a way of life where every meal is a celebration of life itself. See baskets heaped high with colourful spices in the busy markets .Chindi will reveal fresh insight into how food is closely influenced by both the country’s religion and culture, and how each region’s character comes into its own in the kitchen.
HIGHLIGHTS
Stay in Premium hotels | Visit one of cookware shops | A variety of dining experiences and venues, including chef’s tables, private homes (with local families) | Demonstration to hands-on, enjoy varied cuisines ranging from Savour spicy Chettinad dishes to Malnad cuisine of Karnataka and end with famous Malabar cuisine of Kerala; learn how to select and prepare local ingredients and to learn how cuisine reflects the local culture, climate and geography | Immerse yourself in its culture, traditions and crafts. | Visits to the specialty markets, gourmet shops, farmers and other food sources | Private touring of the cultural highlights of each region, with an emphasis on local culinary specialties and traditions | Enjoy a fascinating train journey through some very scenic rail routes in Kerala to truly captivating city of Cochin | Our resources and networks in south India have enabled us access to culinary experiences that are unique and not always available to all tourists.
DETAILED ITINEARY :
DAY 01: ARRIVAL CHENNAI (Overnight in GRANDE BAY RESORTS)
Met and greet followed by Transfers to enviable position on the Coromandel Coast of Mamallapuram. Day at leisure.
DAY 02: MAMALLAPURAM (Overnight in GRANDE BAY RESORTS)
AM(09am) : Mamallapuram sightseeing.
PM(03pm) : Village tour by Auto Rickshaw.
DAY 03: KANCHIPURAM (EXCURSION)(Overnight in GRANDEBAY RESORTS)
AM: (07.30)Kanchipuram sightseeing.
PM : Hand on cooking class , including chef’s tables.
DAY 04: CHENNAI-MYSORE (flight) (Overnight in ROYAL ORCHID METROPOLE)
AM: Fly to Mysore.
PM : visit the famous Devraj Market includes cookware shops.
DAY 05: MYSORE (Overnight in ROYAL ORCHID METROPOLE)
AM : Mysore sightseeing.
PM : Demo of Malnad cuisine in a private family-run organic farm.
DAY 06: MYSORE – WAYANAD (Overnight in SILVER WOODS)
Noon Visit Edakkal cave.
DAY 07: WAYANAD (Overnight in SILVER WOODS)
AM : Stroll around the village plantations, and go for a hike in the surrounding hillocks, Visit Tribal (Adivasis) Village – Adivasis exhibit a rich heritage of arts and crafts.
DAY 08: WAYAND – CALICUT (Overnight in KADAUV RESORT)
AM : Visit Thali temple, the fish markets or venture into town and visit the Sweet Meat Street.
PM : Evening enjoy a “Kalaripayatu” performance, a local traditional martial arts form. It’s a traditional psycho-physiological discipline emanating from Kerala’s unique mytho- historical heritage as well as a scientific system of physical culture training Mappilla Cuisine special Dinner -The cuisine of Kerala Muslims is also well known for its delicate blend of spiciness and subtle mix of ingredients.
DAY 09: CALICUT – COCHIN (Overnight in TEA BUNGLAOW)
AM : Board fascinating train journey through some very scenic rail routes in Kerala to truly captivating city of Cochin, Pm : Kathakali dance show The impressive mudras, graceful and rhythmic movements, pleasing choreography and delightful imagery makes kathakali one of the most intricate dance forms.
DAY 10: COCHIN (Overnight in TEA BUNGLAOW)
AM : Enjoy a short heritage walk in the historical Fort Cochin area. Fort Kochi is the earliest recorded settlement on the Malabar Coast, with its beautiful colonial bungalow peppered with Dutch, Portuguese and Malabar architecture.
DAY 11: COCHIN – ALLEPPEY – MARARI
(Overnight in MARARI BEACH RESORT)
AM : Depart to Alleppey Noon Board a boat for a lazy few hours drifting along shimmering waterways passing coconut groves, a green patchwork of rice Paddies and isolated villages where daily life is dominated by the rhythm of the waters. We enjoy lunch at a floating Restaurant. Pm : Disembark and drive to drive to picturesque fishermen’s village of Mararikulam. Tucked away inside quiet and lush coconut groves the resorts set by the pristine white sand beaches of the Marari offer you unparalleled quite in astoundingly beautiful settings.
DAY 12: MARARI (Overnight in MARARI BEACH RESORT)
Day will be at leisure for spa /ayurveda and tindependent activities.
DAY 13: MARARI – COCHIN
Depart to Cochin International airport (2.5hr approx) for your flight to onward destination.
